Our Faculty & Staff
About Us
Highlands Latin Phoenix Valley has an outstanding staff of teachers with years of experience in classical education and careers outside the classroom.
Meet Our Staff
We are pleased to introduce our incredible team of teachers and administrators all of whom are knowledgeable of classical education and have years of experience with classical curriculum.
If you are interested in joining our team of faculty and administration we encourage you to apply now.
Director & 5th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Meeks is the Director and Founder of Highlands Latin School Phoenix Valley. She also currently teaches 5th Grade. Mrs. Meeks holds a degree in Hospital Administration and Advanced Patient Care from Grand Canyon University. Mrs. Meeks is driven by the belief that God calls each of us to a vocation based on the spiritual gifts He distributes to each one of us. She views her work as God’s kingdom work. Viewing her work this way, as being a good steward with all its duties and responsibilities, brings her so much joy! You might be surprised to know that Mrs. Meeks often walks 5 miles a day. Mrs. Meeks is most proud of her husband, Ernie, and their five children.
Grammar School Director & 6th Grade Teacher
Ms. van Leeuwen is one of the founding faculty members of Highlands Latin School Phoenix Valley and is now serving as the Grammar School Director and 6th Grade Teacher. Mrs. van Leeuwen holds a bachelor's degree in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters of Arts in Humanities from California State University. She loves to foster wonder and delight in the topics she teaches. Nothing motivates her more than to hear a great conversation among her students as they learn something new! You may be surprised to learn that Mrs. van Leeuwen is pro-Oxford comma; she loves to travel, read, and bake. Mrs. van Leeuwen is most proud of her children. Second to that would be the children she’s had the joy of teaching throughout the years.
Primary School Director & Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Szager is in her second year on staff at Highlands Latin School Phoenix Valley as Kindergarten Teacher and Primary School Director. Mrs. Szager holds a Business and Early Childhood Development degree from Wichita State University. What drives Mrs. Szager in her work is educating in a way that every child can learn. Mrs. Szager is a proud believer in Christ, a wife to her dedicated husband, and a mother to her beloved daughter and son.
Junior Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Stoeber is in her third year at Highlands Latin School Phoenix Valley as our Junior Kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Stoeber studied business and law office management at Phoenix College and has decades of experience as a Legal Administrator, Medical Assistant and Administrator. You may be surprised to know that Mrs. Stoeber has flown in a Red Baron airplane doing acrobatic maneuvers, side-by-side with her sister. She has the picture to prove it; ask her to see it. In life, Mrs. Stoeber is most proud of the respect she showed for her parents. She said they instilled a hard work ethic in her and led by example. Her parents told her that if she always works hard with a strong work ethic, it would be rewarding and open doors, and that she could become successful in anything she put her mind and effort into doing.
1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. McQuown is in her second year as Highlands Latin School Faculty as our 1st Grade Teacher. Mrs. McQuown holds associates degrees in Electrical Engineering and Chemistry from the University of Arizona and Pima Community College. You may be surprised to discover that Mrs. McQuown is also trained as an Ayurvedic Practitioner from the California College of Ayurveda. What drives Mrs. McQuown is bringing health, wealth, and traditional values into the future by encouraging strong families within strong communities. Mrs. McQuown is most proud of her family: her husband, Kyle, and her three daughters.
2nd Grade Teacher & Theatre Director
Ms. Cole is a Certified Educator with a background in Classical Education and holds a degree in Performing Arts & Musical Theatre from Oakland University. She also teaches Opera/Voice, Piano, and Beginner Violin privately. Ms. Cole is a proud mother of her daughter who has been immersed in Classical Education for over 6 years. Ms. Cole’s mission as a teacher is to guide her students to successfully approach life’s challenges as they become mature adults who are critical thinkers, independent, resilient, enduring, who understand fellowship and know Love. One thing you may want to ask her is about the time she fought a large fire and won. Ms. Cole earnestly attributes her faith as a Believer as the single most important component that shapes her life overall.
3rd Grade Teacher
Ms. Napoletano is in her first year at Highlands Latin School as our 3rd Grade Teacher. Ms. Napoletano holds a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in early childhood from Arizona Christian University. What drives Ms. Napoletano in her work is a love of learning, a heart for children, and a passion for sharing the gospel. Ms. Napoletano comes to HLSPV after serving in Mexico as a missionary teacher for three years. Something to ask Ms. Napoletano about are her pet snake, dragon, and solcata tortoise.
4th Grade Teacher
Mr. Gonzalez is in his first year at Highlands Latin School Phoenix Valley and is leading the way as our 4th Grade Teacher. Mr. Gonzalez trained as a Pilot and in Flight Administration from Superior Aviation Gateway. What drives Mr. Gonzalez in his work is seeing his students have that “aha!” moment and seeing them grow in faith and knowledge. It might surprise you to know that Mr. Gonzalez spends his free time track racing in his M3. Mr. Gonzalez loves to fly and is most proud of trying to make the world a better place even if it is as simple as a smile.
5th Grade Teacher & Grammar School Music Teacher
Mr. Ionescu teaches 5th Grade and Grammar School Music at Highlands Latin School Phoenix Valley. Mr. Ionescu received his bachelor's in Music Education from Roosevelt University in Chicago and is currently working on his Masters of Divinity at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Mr. Ionescu gets his drive from his love for Jesus and his family. He also loves seeing students progress in their love for learning and musical skills. You may be surprised to learn that Mr. Ionescu likes Star Trek and has a black belt in Taekwondo and Hapkido. Mr. Ionescu is thankful for the opportunity to teach so many students violin, viola, cello, piano, and singing over the past 20 years. He is especially proud of his three sons whom he started teaching when they were each only 3 years old!
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Baker is in her first year on staff at Highlands Latin School in administration. She has a bachelor degree in English, a minor in French, and a Classical Studies Certificate from Arizona State University. Mrs. Baker is currently pursuing a graduate degree from the University of Arizona in International Security Studies. What drives Mrs. Baker in her work is living out her identity in the Kingdom of God. You may be surprised to know that Mrs. Baker owned a baking business in Seattle. Mrs. Baker is most proud of her family: her husband, Jeff, and her four sons.
Adam Weigele
Security Volunteer Coordinator
Mr. Weigele has a degree in Public Service and Public Policy in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from Arizona State University. What drives Mr. Weigele is a desire to do everything to the best of his ability, in service to the Lord, his family, and community. A surprising thing about Mr. Weigele is that he is more calm in emergency situations than in everyday life. Mr. Weigele is most grateful for the undeserved gift of salvation and the family that God has bestowed to him on this earth.